Although the total number of abandoned wells in Illinois is unknown, estimates range from 50,000 to 150,000. Every year, many wells are abandoned when they are replaced with new wells or when homes are connected to community water systems. Abandoned wells pose an immediate threat to human safety and provide a direct route for contaminants to pollute a water supply. This is a hazard that affects both urban and rural residents.

The risk of accidents for humans or domestic animals is greatest with large-diameter or dug wells, but any abandoned or unused well poses a threat to groundwater quality. The upper layers of soil normally act as a filter that effectively removes contaminants. Abandoned wells allow pollutants to bypass this filtering process and provide a direct path from land surface to groundwater.

What if there is an abandoned well on your land, but you are not sure of the exact location? Since abandoned wells are not always clearly visible, it may be necessary to contact former property owners or neighbors who might remember well locations. In addition, local well drillers often have site records of previous installations. If old photos are available, they may show windmills, houses, barns or other buildings that have since been torn down, but where wells might be located.

Finally, the Illinois State Water Survey maintains a database of well records. Their groundwater information office can be reached at (217) 333-9043.

Sealing an abandoned well is generally not an expensive process, but it must be done correctly, preferably by a licensed groundwater professional. Homeowners do have the right to seal their own wells, as long as they accept all responsibility for sealing the well in compliance with the Illinois Well Construction Code and all pertinent county codes.

Before beginning any work, you must report the project to the local public health department and have a well sealing plan approved. Notify the local health department at least 48 hours before you start the work. After the work is done, you must complete a sealing report and submit it within 30 days.

Information on well sealing is contained in a recent publication from University of Illinois Extension. The fact sheet, Sealing an Abandoned Well (Land and Water, July 2003, Number 4) is available from your local extension office.

In addition, the Illinois Water Well Sealing Coalition (IWWSC) is a broad group of agencies and organizations working to promote abandoned well sealing efforts statewide. For more information about this group, call (217) 782-5830 or visit the Illinois Abandoned Wells Web site at: http://dnr.state.il.us/ orep/inrin/eq/well/trial.htm.

In 2003, the Illinois Department of Agriculture in cooperation with IWWSC and Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts expanded their cost-share program for sealing abandoned wells. The cost-share amount cannot exceed $500 or 80 percent of the actual cost, whichever figure is less. For additional information, contact your local soil and water conservation district, which should be listed in the phone book under local government or under the Natural Resources Conservation Service in the federal government section.

If you are looking for a comprehensive water quality Web site, visit the Illinois Watershed Management Clearinghouse, www.watershed.uiuc.edu. The site combines the resources of University of Illinois Extension, Illinois EPA, Illinois Department of Natural Resources and C-FAR to provide a one-stop location for those interested in Illinois watersheds and their management. It includes resource materials and water quality data, but users can also select from many different types of maps including water resources, soils, roads, land cover and aerial photography.

For a list of all Extension offices and other resources go to www.extension.uiuc.edu.

George F. Czapar, Ph.D., University a/Illinois Extension, Springfield Center, P. 0. Box 8199, Springfield, IL 62791, (217) 782-6515 gfc@uiuc.edu.

14 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING www.icl.coop